(19)
(11) EP 3 430 334 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
23.04.2025 Bulletin 2025/17

(21) Application number: 17714117.3

(22) Date of filing: 16.03.2017
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F25D 29/00(2006.01)
B60H 1/00(2006.01)
H04Q 9/00(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
F25D 29/003; B60H 1/3232; B60H 1/00771; B60H 1/00657; G06Q 50/40
(86) International application number:
PCT/US2017/022740
(87) International publication number:
WO 2017/161134 (21.09.2017 Gazette 2017/38)

(54)

AUTOMATED AND PREDICTIVE MONITORING OF PERISHABLE GOOD PARAMETERS THROUGHOUT A COLD CHAIN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

AUTOMATISIERTE UND PRÄDIKTIVE ÜBERWACHUNG DER PARAMETER VON VERDERBLICHEN WAREN DURCH EIN KÜHLKETTENVERTEILUNGSSYSTEM

SURVEILLANCE AUTOMATISÉE ET PRÉDICTIVE DE PARAMÈTRES DE DENRÉE PÉRISSABLE DANS UN SYSTÈME DE DISTRIBUTION DE CHAÎNE DU FROID


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 18.03.2016 US 201662310385 P

(43) Date of publication of application:
23.01.2019 Bulletin 2019/04

(73) Proprietor: Carrier Corporation
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • BEASLEY, Marc
    Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 (US)
  • LESHUK, Jeffrey Allen
    Davis, California 95618 (US)
  • CYWILKO, Mark E.
    Syracuse, New York 13221 (US)
  • YASAR, Murat
    East Hartford, Connecticut 06108 (US)

(74) Representative: Dehns 
10 Old Bailey
London EC4M 7NG
London EC4M 7NG (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 2 604 956
WO-A2-2009/095919
US-A1- 2013 245 991
US-A1- 2015 039 529
WO-A1-2015/171961
US-A1- 2012 000 212
US-A1- 2013 271 290
US-B1- 8 881 540
   
  • XIAO XINQING ET AL: "Applying CS and WSN methods for improving efficiency of frozen and chilled aquatic products monitoring system in cold chain logistics", FOOD CONTROL, vol. 60, 1 February 2016 (2016-02-01), GB, pages 656 - 666, XP055938055, ISSN: 0956-7135, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.09.012
   
Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


Description


[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to cold chain distribution systems, and more specifically to an apparatus and a method for monitoring perishable goods within a cold chain distribution system.

[0002] Typically, cold chain distribution systems are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods) that may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Perishable goods may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, and pharmaceuticals. Advantageously, cold chain distribution systems allow perishable goods to be effectively transported and distributed without damage or other undesirable effects.

[0003] Refrigerated trucks and trailers are commonly used to transport perishable goods in a cold chain distribution system. A transport refrigeration system is mounted to the truck or to the trailer in operative association with a cargo space defined within the truck or trailer for maintaining a controlled temperature environment within the cargo space.

[0004] Conventionally, transport refrigeration systems used in connection with refrigerated trucks and refrigerated trailers include a transport refrigeration unit having a refrigerant compressor, a condenser with one or more associated condenser fans, an expansion device, and an evaporator with one or more associated evaporator fans, which are connected via appropriate refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant flow circuit. Air or an air/ gas mixture is drawn from the interior volume of the cargo space by means of the evaporator fan(s) associated with the evaporator, passed through the airside of the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling the air. The cooled air is then supplied back to the cargo space.

[0005] Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with the origin of the product they are purchasing, as well as details regarding the journey the product took. This concept is often referred to as farm-to-fork. It is often difficult to track the entire journey of a single product from farm-to-fork as it may change hands several times along the route. Improved systems, particularly improved tracking and prediction systems would provide benefits to the industry.

[0006] WO 2009/095919 A2 discloses a system for managing perishables in a supply chain which seeks to provide improved real-time sensed inputs integration and communication as applicable to logistics of perishable items.

[0007] Xiao Xinqing et al (Food Control, vol. 60, page 656-666): "Applying CS and WSN methods for improving efficiency of frozen and chilled aquatic products monitoring system in cold chain logistics" discloses a method for improving the efficiency of a Monitoring System for Frozen and Chilled Aquatic Products (MS-FCAP) using sparse sampling, data reconstruction and self-life prediction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE



[0008] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for monitoring perishable goods within a distribution chain including a transport refrigeration system, the system comprising: a sensor for monitoring parameters associated with the perishable goods in the transport refrigeration system; a storage device to store the parameters associated with the perishable goods, the storage device storing historical parameters for other goods, at least one of the parameters being received from the transport refrigeration system; and a parameter management system coupled to the storage device; characterized in that the parameter management system includes a predictive module to determine parameters that are missing in response to the sensor being unavailable, detect trends in the parameters, and determine predicted parameters which are probable values to fill in gaps of the missing parameters based on the trends and the historical parameters; and a meshing module to determine output parameters by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the output parameters are accessible via a user device.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the output parameters are sent to a user device.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the output parameters are configured as at least one of a map displaying time-based locations of the perishable goods along with the output parameters at the time-based locations and a data table of output parameters.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include the parameters include at least one of temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity, and light exposure.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the parameters include at least one time-based location of the perishable goods.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the parameters include weather data experienced by the perishable goods.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the parameters include quality inspections of the perishable goods.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the system may include that the parameters include manually entered data.

[0017] Viewed from a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of monitoring perishable goods within a distribution chain including a transport refrigeration system, the method comprising: monitoring, using a sensor, parameters associated with the perishable goods in the transport refrigeration system; storing, using a storage device, the parameters associated with the perishable goods, the storage device storing historical parameters for other goods, at least one of the parameters being received from the transport refrigeration system; analyzing, using a parameter management system, the parameters, the parameter management system coupled to the storage device; characterised in that the parameter management system includes: a predictive module to determine parameters that are missing in response to the sensor being unavailable, detect trends in the parameters, and determine predicted parameters which are probable values to fill in gaps of the missing parameters based on the trends and the historical parameters; and a meshing module to determine output parameters by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include accessing the output parameters via a user device.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include receiving the output parameters via a user device.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include displaying the output parameters as at least one of a map showing time-based locations of the perishable goods along with the output parameters at the time-based locations and a data table of output parameters.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include that the parameters include at least one of temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity, and light exposure.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include that the parameters include at least one time-based location of the perishable good.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include that the parameters include weather data experienced by the perishable goods.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include that the parameters include quality inspections of the perishable goods.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments of the method may include that the parameters include manually entered data.

[0026] Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0027] The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for monitoring parameters for use in a cold chain distribution system; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a cold chain distribution system.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE



[0028] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system 10 for monitoring parameters for use in a cold chain distribution system. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a cold chain distribution system 200. Typically, transport refrigeration systems 20 are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods 34). In the illustrated embodiment, a transport refrigeration system 20 includes an environmentally controlled container 14, a transport refrigeration unit 28 and perishable goods 34. The container 14 may be pulled by a tractor 12. It is understood that embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping containers that are shipped by rail, sea, or any other suitable container, without use of a tractor 12. The container 14 may define an interior compartment 18. It is also understood that embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping goods that are not perishable.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration unit 28 is associated with a container 14 to provide desired environmental parameters, such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions to the interior compartment 18. In further embodiments, the transport refrigeration unit 28 is a refrigeration system capable of providing a desired temperature and humidity range. The perishable goods 34 may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable cargo requiring cold chain transport.

[0030] In the invention, the transport refrigeration system 20 includes sensors 22. The sensors 22 may be utilized to monitor parameters 82 internal and external to the container 14. The parameters 82 monitored by the sensors 22 may include but are not limited to temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibrations, and other conditions in the interior compartment 18. Accordingly, suitable sensors 22 are utilized to monitor the desired parameters. Advantageously, sensors 22 may be selected for certain applications depending on the type of perishable goods 34 to be monitored and the corresponding environmental sensitivities. In an embodiment, temperatures are monitored. As seen in FIG. 1, the sensors 22 may be placed directly on the perishable goods 34.

[0031] Further, as in the illustrated embodiment, sensors 22 may be used to monitor various parameters 82 of the transport refrigeration system 20. These sensors 22 may be placed in a variety of locations including but not limited to on the transport refrigeration unit 28, on a door 36 of the container 14 and throughout the interior compartment 18. The sensors 22 may be placed directly within the transport refrigeration unit 28 to monitor the performance of the transport refrigeration unit 28. Individual components internal to the transport refrigeration unit 28 may also be monitored by sensors 22 to detect performance aspects, such as, for example usage cycles, duration, temperatures and pressure of individual components. As seen, the sensors 22 may also be placed on the door 36 of the container 14 to monitor the position of the door 36. Whether the door 36 is open or closed affects both the temperature of the container 14 and the perishable goods 34. For instance, in hot weather, an open door 36 will allow cooled air to escape from the container 14, causing the temperature of the interior compartment 18 to rise, thus affecting the temperature of the perishable goods 34. Additionally, a global positioning system (GPS) location may also be detected by the sensors 22. The GPS location may help in providing time-based location information for the perishable goods 34 that will help in tracking the travel route and other parameters 82 along that route. For instance, the GPS location may also help in providing information from other data sources 40 regarding weather 42 experienced by the container 14 along the travel route. The local weather 42 affects the temperature of the container 14 and thus may affect the temperature of the perishable goods 34.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport refrigeration system 20 may further include, a controller 30 configured to log a plurality of readings from the sensors 22, known as parameters 82, at a selected sampling rate. The controller 30 may be enclosed within the transport refrigeration unit 28 or separate from the transport refrigeration unit 28 as illustrated. The parameters 82 may further be augmented with time, location stamps or other relevant information. The controller 30 may also include a processor (not shown) and an associated memory (not shown). The processor may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.

[0033] In an illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration system 20 may include a communication module 32 in operative communication with the controller 30 and in wireless operative communication with a network 60. The communication module 32 is configured to transmit the parameters 82 to the network 60 via wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, but is not limited to, radio, microwave, cellular, satellite, or another wireless communication method. The network 60 may be but is not limited to satellite networks, cellular networks, cloud computing network, wide area network, or another type of wireless network. The communication module 32 may include a short range interface, wherein the short range interface includes at least one of: a wired interface, an optical interface, and a short range wireless interface.

[0034] Parameters 82 may also be provided by other data sources 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. These other data sources 40 may be collected at any point throughout the cold chain distribution system 200, which as illustrated in FIG. 2 may include harvest 204, packing 206, storage prior to transport 208, transport to distribution center 210, distribution center 212, transport to display 214, storage prior to display 216, display 218 and consumer 220. These stages are provided for illustrative purposes and a distribution chain may include fewer stages or additional stages, such as, for example a cleaning stage, a processing stage, and additional transportation stages. The other data sources 40 may include, but are not limited to, weather 42, quality inspections 44, inventory scans 46, and manually entered data 48. The weather 42, as discussed above, has an effect on the operation of the transport refrigeration unit 28 by influencing the temperature of the container 14 during transport (e.g., 210 and 214) but the weather 42 also has other influences on the transport refrigeration unit 28. For instance, the weather 42 prior to and at harvest 204 may have an impact on the quality of the perishable goods 34, which may be interesting for a consumer. Moreover, quality inspections 44, similar to the weather 42, may reveal data of the perishable goods 34 relevant to the consumer. For instance, a particular batch of strawberries may have the required sugar content desired by the consumer. Quality inspections 44 may be done by a machine or a human being. Quality inspections 44 performed by a machine may be accomplished using a variety of techniques including but not limited to optical, odor, soundwave, infrared, or physical probe.

[0035] Further inventory scans 46, may also reveal parameters 82 about the perishable goods 34 interesting to the consumer and may help in tracking the perishable goods 34. For instance, the inventory scan 46 may reveal the time, day, truck the perishable goods arrived on, which may help pinpoint their source. While the system 10 includes sensors 22 to aid in automation, often times the need for manual data entry is unavoidable. The manually entered data 48 may be input via a variety of devices including but not limited to a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, a desktop computer or any other similar data input device.

[0036] Parameters 82 collected throughout each stage of the cold chain distribution system 200 may include environment conditions experienced by the perishable goods 34 such as, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, vibrations, light exposure, weather, time and location. For instance, strawberries may have experienced an excessive shock or were kept at 1.1°C (34°F) during transport. Parameters 82 may further include attributes of the perishable goods 34 such as, for example, temperature, weight, size, sugar content, maturity, grade, ripeness, labeling, and packaging. For instance, strawberries may be packaged in 1 pound clamshells, be a certain weight or grade, be organic, and have certain packaging or labels on the clamshells. Parameters 82 may also include information regarding the operation of the environmental control unit 28, as discussed above. The parameters 82 may further be augmented with time, location stamps or other relevant information.

[0037] In the invention, the system 10 further includes a storage device 80 to store parameters 82 associated with the goods of a distribution chain. At least one of the parameters 82 is received from the transport refrigeration system. As shown, the storage device 80 also stores historical parameters 84. The storage device 80 may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.

[0038] The system 10 further includes a parameter management system 90. As shown, the parameter management system 90 includes a predictive module 92 and a meshing module 94. The parameter management system 90 may also include a processor (not shown) and an associated memory (not shown). The processor may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium. The predictive module 92 and the meshing module 94 may be implemented in software as applications executed by the processor of parameter management system 90.

[0039] The predictive module 92 determines predicted parameters of the perishable goods 34 in response to parameters 82 that are missing. The predictive module 92 detects trends in the parameters 82, to predict probable values to fill in the gaps of missing parameters 82. Along some instances of the cold chain distribution system 200, sensors 22 may not be available; however if the perishable goods 34 are scanned in during an inventory scan 46, information collected from the inventory scan 46, such as the time, date, and truck that carried the perishable goods 26, may help the predictive module 92 determine missing parameters 82. Further, if 99% of the time the historical parameters 84 say that a truck arriving at 4:00 pm on a Tuesday is coming from Farmer Joe's in California carrying strawberries, then the predictive module 92 will use that information to fill in missing parameters 82 regarding that delivery.

[0040] The meshing module 94 determines output parameters 100 by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters 82. The output parameters 100 are the parameters 82 that have been recorded on the storage device 80 combined with the predicted parameters filling in the gaps at selected times and locations along the cold chain distribution system 200. The meshing module 94 may create a full data set of output parameters 100 detailing the journey of the perishable goods 34 from harvest 204 to consumer 220.

[0041] These output parameters 100 may be accessible via a user device 110 and/or sent directly to a user device 110. The user device 110 may be a device such as, for example, a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop computer or any similar device. The output parameters 100 may be configured as at least one of a map 102 displaying time-based locations of the perishable goods 34 along with the output parameters 100 at the time-based locations and a data table 104 of output parameters 100. The granularity of the output parameters 100 may be adjusted depending on whom is accessing the output parameters 100 via the user device 110. For instance, employees of a cold chain distribution company may have access to more output parameters 100 at a higher granularity than the consumer. The consumer may be able to enter in some information into their user device 110 or scan the bar code of the perishable good 34 and immediately have access to output parameters 100 that detail the entire journey of the perishable good 34 from harvest 204 to consumer 220. For instance, the consumer may be able to see the route the perishable goods 34 had taken from farm-to-fork and the temperature they were kept at throughout that route.


Claims

1. A system (10) for monitoring perishable goods (34) within a distribution chain including a transport refrigeration system (20), the system comprising:

sensors (22) for monitoring parameters (82) associated with the perishable goods in the transport refrigeration system (20);

a storage device (80) to store the parameters (82) associated with the perishable goods, the storage device storing historical parameters (84) for other goods, at least one of the parameters (82) being received from the transport refrigeration system; and

a parameter management system (90) coupled to the storage device;

characterised in that the parameter management system includes

a predictive module (92) to determine parameters (82) that are missing in response to the sensors (22) being unavailable, detect trends in the parameters, and determine predicted parameters which are probable values to fill in gaps of the missing parameters based on the trends and the historical parameters; and

a meshing module (94) to determine output parameters (100) by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters (82).


 
2. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the output parameters (100) are accessible via a user device (110).
 
3. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the output parameters (100) are sent to a user device (110).
 
4. The system of either claim 2 or 3, wherein:
the output parameters (100) are configured as at least one of a map (102) displaying time-based locations of the perishable goods (34) along with the output parameters (100) at the time-based locations and a data table of output parameters (100).
 
5. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the parameters (82) include at least one of temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity, and light exposure.
 
6. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the parameters (82) include at least one time-based location of the perishable goods (34).
 
7. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the parameters (82) include weather data experienced by the perishable goods (34).
 
8. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the parameters (82) include quality inspections of the perishable goods (34).
 
9. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the parameters (82) include manually entered data.
 
10. A method of monitoring perishable goods (34) within a distribution chain including a transport refrigeration system (20), the method comprising:

monitoring, using sensors (22), parameters (82) associated with the perishable goods in the transport refrigeration system (20);

storing, using a storage device (80), the parameters (82) associated with the perishable goods (34), the storage device storing historical parameters (84) for other goods, at least one of the parameters (82) being received from the transport refrigeration system;

analyzing, using a parameter management system (90), the parameters (82), the parameter management system coupled to the storage device;

characterised in that the parameter management system includes:

a predictive module (92) to determine parameters (82) that are missing in response to the sensors (22) being unavailable, detect trends in the parameters, and determine predicted parameters which are probable values to fill in gaps of the missing parameters based on the trends and the historical parameters; and

a meshing module (94) to determine output parameters (100) by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters (82).


 
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
accessing the output parameters (100) via a user device (110).
 
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
receiving the output parameters (100) via a user device (110).
 
13. The method of either claim 11 or 12, further comprising:
displaying the output parameters (100) as at least one of a map (102) showing time-based locations of the perishable goods (34) along with the output parameters (100) at the time-based locations and a data table of output parameters (100).
 
14. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the parameters (82) include at least one of temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity, and light exposure.
 
15. The method of claim 10, wherein:

the parameters (82) include at least one time-based location of the perishable goods; and/or

weather data experienced by the perishable goods; and/or

quality inspections of the perishable goods; and/or

manually entered data.


 


Ansprüche

1. System (10) zur Überwachung von verderblichen Waren (34) innerhalb einer Verteilungskette, die ein Transportkühlsystem (20) beinhaltet, wobei das System Folgendes umfasst:

Sensoren (22) zur Überwachung von Parametern (82), die den verderblichen Waren in dem Transportkühlsystem (20) zugeordnet sind;

eine Speichervorrichtung (80) zum Speichern der Parameter (82), die den verderblichen Waren zugeordnet sind, wobei die Speichervorrichtung frühere Parameter (84) für andere Waren speichert, wobei mindestens einer der Parameter (82) von dem Transportkühlsystem empfangen wird; und

ein Parameterverwaltungssystem (90), das an die Speichervorrichtung gekoppelt ist;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Parameterverwaltungssystem Folgendes beinhaltet:

ein prädiktives Modul (92) zum Bestimmen von Parametern (82), die als Reaktion darauf, dass die Sensoren (22) nicht verfügbar sind, fehlen, zum Erfassen von Trends in den Parametern und zum Bestimmen von prognostizierten Parametern, die wahrscheinliche Werte sind, um Lücken der fehlenden Parameter basierend auf den Trends und den früheren Parametern zu füllen; und

ein Vernetzungsmodul (94) zum Bestimmen von Ausgangsparametern (100) durch Kombinieren der prognostizierten Parameter und der Parameter (82).


 
2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
über eine Benutzervorrichtung (110) auf die Ausgangsparameter (100) zugegriffen werden kann.
 
3. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Ausgangsparameter (100) an eine Benutzervorrichtung (110) gesendet werden.
 
4. System nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei:
die Ausgangsparameter (100) als mindestens eines von einer Karte (102), die zeitbasierte Standorte der verderblichen Waren (34) zusammen mit den Ausgangsparametern (100) an den zeitbasierten Standorten anzeigt, und einer Datentabelle von Ausgangsparametern (100) konfiguriert sind.
 
5. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Parameter (82) mindestens eines von Temperatur, Druck, Vibration, Feuchtigkeit und Lichteinwirkung beinhalten.
 
6. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Parameter (82) mindestens einen zeitbasierten Standort der verderblichen Waren (34) beinhalten.
 
7. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Parameter (82) Daten des Wetters, dem die verderblichen Waren (34) ausgesetzt sind, beinhalten.
 
8. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Parameter (82) Qualitätsprüfungen der verderblichen Waren (34) beinhalten.
 
9. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
die Parameter (82) manuell eingegebene Daten beinhalten.
 
10. Verfahren zum Überwachen von verderblichen Waren (34) innerhalb einer Verteilungskette, die ein Transportkühlsystem (20) beinhaltet, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

Überwachen von Parametern (82), die den verderblichen Waren in dem Transportkühlsystem (20) zugeordnet sind, unter Verwendung von Sensoren (22);

Speichern der Parameter (82), die den verderblichen Waren (34) zugeordnet sind, unter Verwendung einer Speichervorrichtung (80), wobei die Speichervorrichtung frühere Parameter (84) für andere Waren speichert, wobei mindestens einer der Parameter (82) von dem Transportkühlsystem empfangen wird; und Analysieren der Parameter (82) unter Verwendung eines Parameterverwaltungssystems (90), wobei das Parameterverwaltungssystem an die Speichervorrichtung gekoppelt ist;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Parameterverwaltungssystem Folgendes beinhaltet:

ein prädiktives Modul (92) zum Bestimmen von Parametern (82), die als Reaktion darauf, dass die Sensoren (22) nicht verfügbar sind, fehlen, zum Erfassen von Trends in den Parametern und zum Bestimmen von prognostizierten Parametern, die wahrscheinliche Werte sind, um Lücken der fehlenden Parameter basierend auf den Trends und den früheren Parametern zu füllen; und

ein Vernetzungsmodul (94) zum Bestimmen von Ausgangsparametern (100) durch Kombinieren der prognostizierten Parameter und der Parameter (82).


 
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, ferner umfassend:
Zugreifen auf die Ausgangsparameter (100) über eine Benutzervorrichtung (110).
 
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, ferner umfassend:
Empfangen der Ausgangsparameter (100) über eine Benutzervorrichtung (110).
 
13. Verfahren nach entweder Anspruch 11 oder 12, ferner umfassend:
Anzeigen der Ausgangsparameter (100) als mindestens eines von einer Karte (102), die zeitbasierte Standorte der verderblichen Waren (34) zusammen mit den Ausgangsparametern (100) an den zeitbasierten Standorten zeigt, und einer Datentabelle von Ausgangsparametern (100).
 
14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei:
die Parameter (82) mindestens eines von Temperatur, Druck, Vibration, Feuchtigkeit und Lichteinwirkung beinhalten.
 
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei:

die Parameter (82) mindestens einen zeitbasierten Standort der verderblichen Waren; und/oder

Daten des Wetters, dem die verderblichen Waren ausgesetzt sind; und/oder

Qualitätsprüfungen der verderblichen Waren; und/oder

manuell eingegebene Daten beinhalten.


 


Revendications

1. Système (10) de surveillance de denrées périssables (34) dans une chaîne de distribution comprenant un système de réfrigération de transport (20), le système comprenant :

des capteurs (22) pour surveiller des paramètres (82) associés aux denrées périssables dans le système de réfrigération de transport (20) ;

un dispositif de stockage (80) pour stocker les paramètres (82) associés aux denrées périssables, le dispositif de stockage stockant des paramètres historiques (84) pour d'autres denrées, au moins l'un des paramètres (82) étant reçu en provenance du système de réfrigération de transport ; et

un système de gestion de paramètres (90) couplé au dispositif de stockage ;

caractérisé en ce que le système de gestion de paramètres comprend

un module prédictif (92) pour déterminer les paramètres (82) qui manquent en réponse à l'indisponibilité des capteurs (22), détecter les tendances dans les paramètres et déterminer les paramètres prédits qui sont des valeurs probables pour combler les lacunes des paramètres manquants sur la base des tendances et des paramètres historiques ; et

un module de maillage (94) pour déterminer des paramètres de sortie (100) en combinant les paramètres prédits et les paramètres (82).


 
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres de sortie (100) sont accessibles par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif utilisateur (110).
 
3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres de sortie (100) sont envoyés à un dispositif utilisateur (110).
 
4. Système selon soit la revendication 2 soit la revendication 3, dans lequel :
les paramètres de sortie (100) sont configurés comme au moins l'un d'une carte (102) affichant les emplacements basés sur le temps des denrées périssables (34) conjointement avec les paramètres de sortie (100) aux emplacements basés sur le temps et d'une table de données de paramètres de sortie (100).
 
5. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent au moins l'un de la température, la pression, les vibrations, l'humidité et l'exposition à la lumière.
 
6. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent au moins un emplacement basé sur le temps des denrées périssables (34).
 
7. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent les données météorologiques rencontrées par les denrées périssables (34).
 
8. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent des contrôles de qualité des denrées périssables (34).
 
9. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent des données saisies manuellement.
 
10. Procédé de surveillance de denrées périssables (34) dans une chaîne de distribution comprenant un système de réfrigération de transport (20), le procédé comprenant :

la surveillance, à l'aide de capteurs (22), des paramètres (82) associés aux denrées périssables dans le système de réfrigération de transport (20) ;

le stockage, à l'aide d'un dispositif de stockage (80), des paramètres (82) associés aux denrées périssables (34), le dispositif de stockage stockant des paramètres historiques (84) pour d'autres denrées, au moins l'un des paramètres (82) étant reçu en provenance du système de réfrigération de transport ;

l'analyse des paramètres (82), à l'aide d'un système de gestion de paramètres (90), le système de gestion de paramètres étant couplé au dispositif de stockage ;

caractérisé en ce que le système de gestion de paramètres comprend :

un module prédictif (92) pour déterminer les paramètres (82) qui manquent en réponse à l'indisponibilité des capteurs (22), détecter les tendances dans les paramètres et déterminer les paramètres prédits qui sont des valeurs probables pour combler les lacunes des paramètres manquants sur la base des tendances et des paramètres historiques ; et

un module de maillage (94) pour déterminer des paramètres de sortie (100) en combinant les paramètres prédits et les paramètres (82).


 
11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant également : l'accès aux paramètres de sortie (100) par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif utilisateur (110).
 
12. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant également : la réception des paramètres de sortie (100) par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif utilisateur (110).
 
13. Procédé selon soit la revendication 11 soit la revendication 12, comprenant également :
l'affichage des paramètres de sortie (100) comme au moins l'un d'une carte (102) présentant les emplacements basés sur le temps des denrées périssables (34) conjointement avec les paramètres de sortie (100) aux emplacements basés sur le temps et d'une table de données de paramètres de sortie (100).
 
14. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel :
les paramètres (82) comprennent au moins l'un de la température, la pression, les vibrations, l'humidité et l'exposition à la lumière.
 
15. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel :

les paramètres (82) comprennent au moins un emplacement basé sur le temps des denrées périssables ; et/ou

les données météorologiques rencontrées par les denrées périssables ; et/ou

les contrôles de qualité des denrées périssables ; et/ou

les données saisies manuellement.


 




Drawing











Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description




Non-patent literature cited in the description